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Old 06-13-2015, 06:45 AM   #1
Rondo
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Battery Disconnect Switch

OK, had the unit into the dealer because step recall and a couple other things. Thought we had a bad battery and sure heck one of them was but we thought it was a converter problem- the converter checked out OK but the tech said that the battery disconnect switch was in the wrong position. When the battery disconnect switch is in the OFF position is this not furnishing power to the converter to charge the batteries OR is it furnishing power to charge the batteries? Is it in the OFF position and actually the power is ON OR when it is in the ON position and the disconnect switch actually OFF? I AM CONFUSED--WHICH IS WHICH?
 
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Old 06-13-2015, 06:59 AM   #2
1retired06
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Without looking at my rig, (I also forget sometimes,but know the correct position) when my lever is turned to the counterclockwise position, straight up, the battery is on. When the switch is in the off position(you can remove the lever) it is in the off position and the battery is isolated.
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Old 06-13-2015, 08:22 AM   #3
Charli
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On our unit when the Battery Disconnect switch is turned to the on position the battery is on. A bit counter-intuitive. They really should change the labelling so it just reads BATTERY with an on and off position. Would be much clearer. Just to really confuse things I have heard of units where the labelling is reversed
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Old 06-13-2015, 09:34 AM   #4
WaltBennett
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BUT, don't forget that the batteries are never completely disconnected when using that switch.
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Old 06-13-2015, 10:05 AM   #5
DQDick
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This is a problem many of us have had. It's just flat out confusing.
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Old 06-14-2015, 05:22 AM   #6
jfaberna
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Well my 2014 3402RL's disconnect is a red plastic key on a piece of wire so you don't lose it. It only comes out when it has disconnected the DC from the coach. So I don't look at the label. If the key is turned so it can't come out, the coach has DC. If the key is hanging there, the DC is off.
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Old 06-14-2015, 01:42 PM   #7
scattershot
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by jfaberna

Well my 2014 3402RL's disconnect is a red plastic key on a piece of wire so you don't lose it. It only comes out when it has disconnected the DC from the coach. So I don't look at the label. If the key is turned so it can't come out, the coach has DC. If the key is hanging there, the DC is off.

Except that in our rig, at least, there is still power to the front landing jacks.
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Old 06-14-2015, 03:28 PM   #8
Glenn the fifth
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If you want to verify it is in the right position can't you just unplug from "shore power" (AC pedestal power) and go in and turn one of the 12V light switches on?
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Old 06-14-2015, 03:43 PM   #9
Irlpguy
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While you are standing there trying to decide of off is really on and on is really off, how much simpler could it be than to try the key, if it can be removed then the batters switch has isolated the batteries.
As Rich said the level up and landing gear still have power to them, at least on most models they do. When the battery is isolated the Propane sensor is still powered as well and the 12V wire that runs back to your TV. The fridge, lights and so on do not get power when the battery is isolated.

Check the key, unless you can make DW run in and do the inside test when not connected to AC. Actually you don't have to go that far since the lights in the storage and convenience center don't work either.


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Old 06-14-2015, 06:32 PM   #10
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Well since we are heading out for the CPRR tomorrow, I guess I'll be checking the switch and let everyone know what I find out! Thanks for all that have responded to this post and as I said I'll repost here on the outcome!
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Old 06-14-2015, 08:11 PM   #11
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Your right it is confusing. Why would you shut the battery off ? What is the purpose of having the battery shut off?
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Old 06-15-2015, 01:00 AM   #12
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Very new here so forgive me if I use wrong term.this is an interesting topic, since we bought our very first fifth, 3711FL (2016) I have two disconnects, one in battery comp. and one in (do I call it water station or service station) and one in batt. Comp. is what I'm used to (boat owner). Green on position and red off position. Which in boats green meant on and of course red off. Now the one in service comp. is the red key, and dealer never explained that and nothing in manual. I would think when key can't be removed, it means batt. Is on. Big question,would this have anything to do with my battery not staying charged? I have left it off until I find out what it does. Thank you for your patience,as I said we are as Green as it comes to RVing and fifthwheels.
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Old 06-15-2015, 03:13 AM   #13
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The one in the battery compartment is a direct shutoff for the inverter, as the inverter is hard wired direct to the battery. The one in the convenience center with the hook ups is for all the other parasitic 12 volt draining items in the trailer. You are correct if you can not remove the key power is on. If you leave your trailer parked and not hooked up to shore power you will want to turn the battery switches off or your battery will drain down.
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Old 06-15-2015, 03:26 AM   #14
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by DQDick

This is a problem many of us have had. It's just flat out confusing.
There are a few things that still have 12V DC with the disconnect turned and removed. Landing gear is one of them. For long term parking/storing, I either disconnect the negative wire or pull the whole battery so I can take it home and put it on a battery maintainer.
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Old 06-15-2015, 03:48 AM   #15
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Reference the question why shut it off?, storage is one reason. Propane alarm for example, at least in all of our units is hard wired and a continuous draw on the battery. Some carbon monoxide alarms are as well.
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Old 06-15-2015, 01:58 PM   #16
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I spoke with Ben Fisher (very helpful)and a couple of others at Keystone today and they told me that the "key " should be out (batt. Off) when hooked up to shore power and battery will still charge. Also of the three I spoke with none of them were familiar with a disconnect in the battery compartment, they also could not tell me if it interfered with the other disconnect allowing the battery to charge? So battery "key" in service area,should it be on or off to charge battery when hooked to shore power. 2016 3711FL model.Thank you all for your input.
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Old 06-15-2015, 02:06 PM   #17
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Cw3jason,
I knew the inverter was a direct wire to inverter(traced wires) but wasn't sure what red key disconnect did. It would be so much easier for some of us mechanics if Keystone made a wiring diagram available? I've been able to figure most out but still trying to clarify if key disconnect should be on when shore power hooked up. I'm sure it needs to be when towing,any other time? Thanks for the help.
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Old 06-17-2015, 07:20 AM   #18
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I and I am sure most people leave it in and on when connected to shore power. It will not hurt it. You should only need to disconnect battery if you are going to store your trailer without hook ups or a battery tender. other than that leave it in and on and dont worry about it.
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Old 06-17-2015, 07:48 AM   #19
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Ours has been on for four years now and everything works fine. We do have solar to charge the batteries if we're not hooked to shore power.
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Old 06-17-2015, 10:11 AM   #20
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Ours has been on for nearly 8 years. Connected to power when is storage. Which means it is connected to power all the time except for the hours of travel. Never a problem. Never saw a reason to disconnect it. That is the first time I have heard someone say it should be disconnected when connected to power.
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